Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with layers of savory chicken ham and Swiss cheese. This classic French-inspired recipe is perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner. It brings elegance to your table while being surprisingly easy to prepare, ensuring a satisfying meal for family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish at parties or gatherings, and watch your guests rave about its beautiful appearance.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations, Chicken Cordon Bleu fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
• Rich Sauce: The accompanying Parmesan Dijon sauce adds a creamy richness that elevates the dish to another level.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Cordon Bleu, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meat mallet
• Plastic wrap
• Deep frying pan
• Three shallow dishes
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet: Helps flatten the chicken evenly for easier rolling and ensures even cooking.
• Plastic wrap: Essential for tightly rolling the chicken, keeping all fillings secure during cooking.
• Deep frying pan: Provides enough space for frying, allowing the chicken to cook without crowding.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauces smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your rich Parmesan Dijon sauce.

Ingredients

Crispy breaded chicken breasts stuffed with chicken ham and Swiss cheese, served with a rich Parmesan Dijon sauce. A classic French-inspired dish.

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 16 slices Swiss cheese
• ½ pound chicken ham, thinly sliced
• Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying

For Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Place each breast between plastic wrap and pound them to about ½ inch thick.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

1. On each flattened breast, layer:
2. 2 slices of Swiss cheese,
3. 2 slices of chicken ham,
4. 2 more slices of Swiss cheese,
5. 2 additional slices of chicken ham.

Step 3: Roll and Chill

1. Tightly roll each filled breast in plastic wrap and twist the ends to seal.
2. Chill rolls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare for Frying

1. Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches 325°F.
2. Set up three shallow dishes:
3. Dish 1 with flour,
4. Dish 2 with beaten eggs,
5. Dish 3 with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken

1. Remove rolls from plastic wrap.
2. Coat each roll in flour first, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by coating in panko breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

1. Carefully place coated rolls into hot oil.
2. Fry each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
3. If necessary, finish cooking in a preheated oven at 325°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic; cook until soft.
2. Whisk in flour for one minute before gradually adding milk while whisking until thickened.
3. Stir in Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy your Chicken Cordon Bleu with its rich sauce drizzled on top!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu can elevate any meal, turning it into a special occasion. With its crispy exterior and deliciously creamy filling, this dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavors.

Classic Presentation

• Garnish with Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme sprinkled on top adds color and freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside for a zesty contrast that cuts through the richness.

With Sauces

• Parmesan Dijon Sauce: Drizzle over the chicken for extra flavor.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce: A rich, earthy sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.

Accompaniments

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes provide a comforting base for the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Choose seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans for a light, healthy touch.

How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

Perfecting Chicken Cordon Bleu takes practice, but these tips will help you create an impressive dish every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Make sure to season well with salt and pepper for better flavor.
• Proper Thickness: Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
• Chill Before Frying: Chilling the rolls helps them hold their shape during frying.
• Fry at Correct Temperature: Maintain oil temperature around 325°F for crispy results without burning.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko over regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Cordon Bleu can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make a perfect comfort food companion.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts add a nutty flavor that complements the richness of the chicken.
3. Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs and spices offers a light, flavorful side.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli is nutritious and adds vibrant color to your plate.
6. Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn drizzled with butter adds sweetness to balance the savory notes of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Cordon Bleu, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping seasoning: Many forget to season the chicken before cooking. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder for maximum flavor.

• Not pounding the chicken: If you skip pounding the chicken breasts to ½ inch thick, they may cook unevenly. Make sure to pound them evenly to ensure proper cooking.

• Overstuffing the chicken: It’s tempting to add more cheese or ham, but overstuffing can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.

• Ignoring the chilling step: Chilling the rolled chicken is crucial. If you skip this step, your rolls may fall apart while frying. Chill for at least 30 minutes for stability.

• Frying at the wrong temperature: Frying at too low or too high a temperature can lead to soggy or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer and maintain oil at 325°F for optimal frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until warm.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook each side until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French dish made of breaded chicken breasts stuffed with chicken ham and Swiss cheese, often served with a creamy sauce.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes! While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for different flavors in your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

How do I know when my Chicken Cordon Bleu is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F when fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and store them in the refrigerator or freezer before frying for quick meal prep later on.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Cordon Bleu is not just a delicious dish; it’s also versatile enough to suit various occasions, from family dinners to special celebrations. Feel free to customize it with different cheeses or fillings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every bite!